Otero gets funds for emergencies, shelters

Alamogordo Daily NewsDaily news report

Posted:
11/28/2012 10:21:53 PM MST

Otero County has been awarded more than $16,000 in funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county, according to the Otero County Emergency Food and Shelter Board.

The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency made up of representatives from American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., the Jewish Federations of North America, the Salvation Army and United Way Worldwide.

A local board has been charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.

The board, made up of representatives from the United Way as well as local governments, churches and agencies will determine how the money will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

The board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, be eligible to receive federal funds, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food or shelter programs, and, if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.

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Otero County has distributed Emergency food and shelter funds previously with two agencies participating last yearCommunity Action and the Center of a Protective Environment.

These agencies were responsible for providing meals and nights of lodging.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Warren Robinson, Local Board chair, United Way of Otero County, 1601 Tenth Street, Alamogordo, N.M. 88310 for an application.The deadline for applications is Dec. 6, 2012.